Time:
GMT +8; same time zone as Singapore.
Population:
The population of Penang is 1.2 million, consisting of Chinese, Malay, Indian and other ethnic races.
Weather and Climate:
Penang enjoys equatorial temperature year round, with daily temperature between 21 and 31 degrees Celsius. Wet months are from August to October.
Language:
Bahasa Malaysia or Malay, is the national language while English is spoken as a business language.
Religion:
Islam is the official religion of the country. Freedom of worship is enjoyed, and Christianity, Buddhism, Taoism and Hinduism are also practised.
Respect:
Religious practices discourage physical contact between Muslim men and women and visitors are requested to show similar respect. Men only shake hands with Muslim women when preoffered a handshake. Otherwise, a verbal greeting or a slight nod of the head suffices as an acknowledgement to introduction. Strict rules apply when visiting mosques and religious sites: women must be appropriately covered (no shorts, no sleeveless tops) and footwear must be removed before entering. If in doubt, please consult officials.
Currency:
The unit of currency is the Ringgit Malaysia (RM) which is divided into 100 sen. Currency notes are issued in denominations of RM 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100. Coins are issued in 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 sen.
Banking hours:
Mondays to Fridays, from 9:30am to 4:30pm, Closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Shopping hours:
Daily, from 10:00am to 10:00pm.
IDD code:
Country code: 60 Penang city code: 4. SingTel ICC: 1800-8000-65
Credit/Charge Cards:
VISA, Bankcard, Mastercard, American Express and Diners are widely accepted by establishments throughout Malaysia, with the exception of small establishments and stalls.
Travellers cheques:
Most banks handle travellers' cheques and change foreign currencies. The Plus system allows international travellers to withdraw cash from ATMS.
Electricity:
The electrical current is 240/250V AC 50Hz.
Getting Around:
It is easy and affordable to get around on buses, metered taxis and trishaws. The Georgetown shuttle service is a good way to move around.
Travel Information
Travel from Singapore:
Direct flights from Singapore, one hour thirty minutes. Also accessible by road via the Causeway or Tuas Second Link, approximately ten hours drive or by coach. Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) also operates scheduled passenger train services from Singapore to Penang via Butterworth.
Airport:
Penang Bayan Lepas International Airport (PEN) is located 20km from the city centre. Taxis and public buses to the city are available from the arrival hall.
Passports and Visas:
Passports must be valid for a minimum of six months from date of entry. Residents of most ASEAN and Commonwealth countries do not require a visa to visit Malaysia. If in doubt, please contact your local travel agent or high commission/embassy, or visit Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Immigration Department of Malaysia.
Duty Concessions:
The following items are allowed for personal use: One quart bottle of liquor, 25gms of tobacco or 200 sticks of cigarettes, a pair of new shoes, electrical and battery-operated personal appliances, food stuff to the value not exceeding RM75.00, and souvenirs & gifts to the value not exceeding RM200.00. For more information, visit Malaysian Customs & Excise Department
More tourist information:
Please contact your local tourism commission or travel agent. Singapore residents may visit the offices of:
Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board
80 Robinson Rd #01-01
Singapore 068898
tel: (65) 6532-6321 • fax: (65) 6535-6650
Sources: Tourism Malaysia VirtualMalaysia.com PulauPinang.com Tourism Penang
